Jules Kounde open to leaving Barcelona this summer | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is open to leaving the club in the summer transfer window, according to Relevo.

The France international is reportedly unhappy about playing right-back instead of his favoured centre-back slot this season.

The 24-year-old broke through as a central defender at Bordeaux and Sevilla.

However, Xavi continues to play him as a full-back due to his diminutive frame and ball-carrying ability. It does not help that the club does not have options at right-back.

Xavi has preferred to use Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo as the central defenders in their 4-3-3 formation.

Kounde was especially unhappy when Xavi took him off at half-time in their last match against Real Sociedad.

With the title secured, the manager played him in central defence. But Sociedad found ways to play around him and drag him out of position and he was substituted.

Barcelona are reportedly surprised by his stance since he has played enough games to know he is important.

Kounde is part of one of the meanest defences in La Liga history. He has helped them concede only 15 goals this term.

The fewest ever conceded in the 21st century is 18 by Atletico Madrid in the 2015/16 season. He has helped them keep 17 clean sheets in his 27 league appearances.

However, Barcelona know they need to sell players this summer due to their financial situation.

They do not want to keep any player against their will but will demand €80 million for the Paris-born defender.

Arsenal and Chelsea showed interest in Kounde before he joined Barca. The Gunners could return for him with the Blues stacked at the back.

They want to sign a new centre-back as they prepare for Champions League football next term.